JOHNSON
COUNTY KENTUCKY
HISTORICAL
&
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PAINTSVILLE,
KENTUCKY
OBITUARY
WEBSITE
1931
JOHNSON
COUNTY KENTUCKY
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1931
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THE 1931 PAINTSVILLE
HERALD MICROFILM HAD MANY WEEKS MISSING
JANUARY -
1931
WARD, Martha (Wolfe)
1931
Mrs. Martha Jane Ward was born July 26, 1854 in Wayne county
Va. She came with her father to Kentucky in a covered wagon, when
she was about 5 to 6 years of age. The pioneers of that day
traveled in wagons and camped by the wayside as they came across the
cumberlands. The dense wilderness made a lasting impression on
her childish mind. Her father Reuben Dwayne Wolfe was a Union
Soldier of the Civil War and was so severely wounded that, although he
lived to be up in years the wound finally caused his death. He
was also a Methodist preacher and school teacher. He married
Lovanna Easterting of Virginia. There were seven children, Martha
being the oldest daughter. She grew up to womanhood and fitted
herself for school teaching. When 18 years of age she was converted and
joined the Methodist church. She loved to dwell on the miracle of
her conversion and often said she might doubt any occurance, but never
her conversion. She lived a consistent Christian life. Married
George Washington Ward July 1875. A few years later she joined
the united Baptist Church. Her Christian influence before her
family could never be doubted. It takes a member of ones own household
to realize and know of a truth the benign influence of a consecrated
parents as this influence never dies. During the last months of
her life, she suffered extreme pain but we feel as Paul said Her
suffering is not to be revealed in her. On the 3rd night of
January about 11 oclock her gentle spirit left its earthly abode went
back to the Divine Author of her being.
P.H. Wed 9-3-1931 Rechecked
my records, as to why this obit was published on Sep 3 1931 and Martha
had passed 3rd day of January ??? Unknown microfilm error
FEBRUARY - 1931
NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH
MARCH - 1931
NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH
APRIL - 1931
NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH
MAY - 1931
NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH
JUNE - 1931
ROARK, Kash Jr.
1931
"Two Deaths In Family in Month" Hager Hill, Ky., July 27, The
home of Mr. and Mrs. Kash Roark of this place was blessed with three
bright children, two boys and one girl, Clayton 8, Marjorie 6, and
Kash, Jr. 3. On May 31 Kash Jr. fell from the porch swing and
fractured his skull. He suffered for several days when brain and
spinal trouble developed which caused his death June 22. During
his illness he was attended by Drs. Castle and Hall. They told
the family the disease was contagious and on July 10 Marjorie
contracted the disease and was taken to the Paintsville Hospital where
she died on July 20. Several deaths occured recently on Blaine
from the same malady. The neighborhood is shocked and saddened because
of these deaths. The father, mother and little brother are sadly
bereaved. Revs. Guy Preston of Paintsville and Roacie Lemaster of
this place preached the funeral of Kash, Jr. and Rev. Lemaster
pronounced the last sad rites for Marjorie. Their bodies were
taken to Magoffin County for burial. In the 12th chapter of
Second Samuel 22 and 23 verses David in speaking of his child which had
just died said: "What the child was yet alive I fasted and wept; for I
said, who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child
may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can
I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not
return to me." It should be a consolation to the father and
mother to know that they can put their trust in Him who doeth all
things well. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 7-30-1931
JULY - 1931
BURGESS, Teleah
1931
Mrs. Teleh Burgess, age 66, died at the home of her son, Wm. Burgess on
Euclid Avenue Sunday, July 12, following an illness of more than two
months. Mrs. Burgess was a good Christian woman and her passing is
mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. She was the widow
of the late Henry Burgess who preceded her in death twenty-five years
ago. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with her son
Wm. Burgess for the greater part of the time. She was a member of the
Freewill Baptist Church of Paintsville and her place will be missed in
the church as well as the Burgess home. Mrs. Burgess is survived by
three children, two boys and a girl as follows: Wm. Burgess of
Paintsville, Mrs. Carl Hudson of Charleston, W. Va. and Walter Burgess
of Newport, Ky. Funeral services were conducted at the Freewill Baptist
Church Tuesday afternoon in charge of Rev. H.B. Conley, Rev. F.S.
Vanhoose and Rev. Millard Vanhoose. Following the funeral services the
body was taken to the King cemetery on the east side of the Big Sandy
River for interment. Paintsville
Herald Thursday July 16, 1931
ROARK, Marjorie
1931
"Two Deaths In Family in Month" Hager Hill, Ky., July 27, The home of
Mr. and Mrs. Kash Roark of this place was blessed with three bright
children, two boys and one girl, Clayton 8, Marjorie 6, and Kash, Jr.
3. On May 31 Kash Jr. fell from the porch swing and fractured his
skull. He suffered for several days when brain and spinal trouble
developed which caused his death June 22. During his illness he
was attended by Drs. Castle and Hall. They told the family the
disease was contagious and on July 10 Marjorie contracted the disease
and was taken to the Paintsville Hospital where she died on July
20. Several deaths occured recently on Blaine from the same
malady. The neighborhood is shocked and saddened because of these
deaths. The father, mother and little brother are sadly
bereaved. Revs. Guy Preston of Paintsville and Roacie Lemaster of
this place preached the funeral of Kash, Jr. and Rev. Lemaster
pronounced the last sad rites for Marjorie. Their bodies were
taken to Magoffin County for burial. In the 12th chapter of
Second Samuel 22 and 23 verses David in speaking of his child which had
just died said: "What the child was yet alive I fasted and wept; for I
said, who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child
may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can
I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not
return to me." It should be a consolation to the father and
mother to know that they can put their trust in Him who doeth all
things well. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 7-30-1931
SPARKS, Willie
1931
Leroy Kimbler, 17, Charged With Murder of Willie Sparks, 23. Four
Others Held. A fight which took place on the head of Puncheon Creek
near Kerz postoffice, this county, about 4:00 p.m. last Sunday
afternoon resulted in the death of one man and the arrest of four
others who it is claimed has knowledge of the killing although one
person, a youth of 17, is charged with the actual deed. Willie Sparks,
age 23, was the victim and Leroy Kimbler, age 17, is charged with
beating him to death with a club. Conflicting reports have been
received as to how the killing took place. Young Kimbler claims to have
killed Sparks with a blow to the chin with his fist, while others claim
he was killed with a club. The killing took place at the home of Blaine
Kimbler on the head of Puncheon. According to the best information
obtainable, Mitchell Kimbler, son of Blaine Kimbler and his cousin
Leroy Kimbler had been sent to the barn to feed a pair of mules. While
throwing hay from the barn loft Willie Sparks and Milt Harris, said to
have been drinking, rode up to the barn and Sparks & Leroy Kimbler
became involved in a row which lead to blows. Sparks is said to have
seized a sled standard and advanced on Kimbler. The two men came
together it is said, and when the fight ended Sparks was found to be
dead. An inquest was held by Magistrate A.J. Daniel and the jury made a
verdict that Sparks came to his death by a blow from Leroy Kimbler. The
jurys verdict is as follows: "We, the jury, find and agree that Willie
Sparks came to death by either a blow from Leroy Kimbler or by a fall
in the ditch. We, the jury, further agree that Willie Sparks death was
caused by a broken neck. Signed: A.W. Rowe W.W. Williams B.H. VanHoose
J.W. VanHoose W.P. Pelphrey Burley McCarty Five other men in addition
to Leroy Kimbler were arrested and brought to Paintsville by Sheriff
W.M. Preston and his deputies in connection with the killing, although
it is believed that Leroy Kimbler is the only one responsible for
Sparks' death. The others were arrested as a matter of precaution.
Those arrested besides Kimbler were Milt Harris, Blaine Kimbler,
Mitchell Kimbler, and a young man named Rowe. Sparks' relatives base
their claims that he was beaten to death with a club on the fact that
the dead mans skull was broken and crushed in two places and his neck
broken from a blow supposedly to have been struck from behind on the
back of the neck. The man had bruises on his back and shoulder as if
made by a club. As examining trial was held on Tuesday. Preston Funeral
Home. PAINTSVILLE HERALD
Thursday July 23, 1931
SHERMAN, Cap
1931
"Death Claims Cap Sherman Aged Citizen""Succumbs to Injuries After
Being Hit by Freight Train" Cap Sherman, age about 75, died at the
Paintsville Hospital Tuesday evening from injuries received Tuesday
morning near the railroad crossing at Thealka when struck by a C. &
O. freight train. He received a fractured skull, a broken arm and
other internal injuries when the body of the aged man was hurled
against the side of a cliff along the railroad line. According to those
who witnessed the tragedy, Mr. Sherman was walking along the railway
right-of-way. A freight train was approaching and it is believed
that he was hit by another train which was approaching from the rear
and because of the noise he was not aware of the approach of the second
train. Mr. Sherman, it seems, was not directly on the track but
was walking along the outer edge. A car attached to the train
picked him up and hurled him bodily against the rocky cliff. Although
frightfully injured and broken, the aged man was conscious when picked
up by those who went to his assistance. He said he had started to
Greasy Creek to transact some business and was using the railway line.
Mr. Sherman was well known in this section and had many friends.
He was one of the oldtime rivermen when steamboating and pushboating on
the Big Sandy River was at its height. He was a fine artisan and
was noted for his ability in the construction of steamboats and
pushboats and at one time was employed by the U. S. Government jin the
supervision and construction of flat-bottomed boats on the docks at New
York City. Mr. Sherman was a member of a large family of boys, all of
whom have passed into the Great Beyond with the exception of one
brother, Lewis (Bacon) Sherman, of Paintsville. Mr. Sherman was never
married but had made his home for the past few years with his brother
in Paintsville. He leaves many friends who will regret his passing. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 30,
1931
VANHOOSE, Willie (Brownie) VanHoose
1931
Willie "Brownie" VanHoose, age about 38, dropped dead last Monday night
at about 11 o'clock in Greentown, a suburb of Paintsville and vicinity,
was apparently in the best of health even to the minute of his death
which came without warning. Mr. VanHoose was a Constable in Magisterial
District No. 1 and was soliciting votes in that section. He was at the
home of his friend when he suddenly dropped dead in his tracks and was
dead when assistance reached him. He was a son of Davy VanHoose of this
city. He is survived by his father, a number of brothers. A wife and
children who are said to have been left in bad circumatances. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-30-1931
WEBB, Genoa (Prater)
1931
"Mrs.Genoa Webb died in Ashland" Mrs.Genoa Webb, wife of the late Dock
F.Webb died in a local hospital at Ashland last week. Funeral services
were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M.E. Partlow, and burial in
Ashland Cemetery. Rev. I.N. Faunin of Parkersburg W.Va, in charge
of the services. She was born June 15,1868, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George Prater of Johnson county and was 63 years old. She is
survived by two sons,Freeman S.Webb, Olive Hill and Lloyd
Webb,Hitchins; one daughter, Mrs. M.E. Partlow of Ashland; 3 grand
children, Jimmie Partlow, Lloyd Webb Jr and Robert Franklin Webb. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 23,1931
AUGUST -
1931
HITCHCOCK, Billie
1931
"Billie Hitchcock Accidentally Struck Monday by Ohio Car Car Total
Wreck" Billie Hitchcock, age 9, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Hitchcock of
near Paintsville, was killed Monday afternoon, when struck by car
driven by R. L. Brown of Middleton, Ohio. The accident took place
on the Mayo Trail, one mile out of Paintsville. In an attempt to
miss the boy, Mr. Brown swerved his car from the highway and over a
high embankment. The car contained six members of the Brown
family. The car turned over several times, however the family
escaped with minor injuries. Just how they escaped from being killed or
seriously injured is a mystery to those familiar with the accident. Mr.
Brown with his family was in route to North Carolina where he expected
to visit his aged parents. The boy was riding a farm wagon and
the two vehicles met on the bank at the Dills home. The boy was
riding the rear end of the wagon and just before the Brown car met the
wagon the boy jumped out and started across the road directly in front
of the approaching car. Mr. Brown said he discovered the boy in
his path when only eight or ten feet away and in an attempt to save the
boy’s life he threw his car into the ditch and thence over the
embankment. The car turned over twice with all members in it and
turned bottom side up. The car was too close to miss the lad and
it is said that only the fender hit the boy knocking him to the
concrete paving with such force that his skull was fractured. He was
brought to the Golden Rule Hospital where he died a few hours later.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown and family were brought to th city where they
remained Monday and Tuesday before returning to their home in
Middleton. The Brown car was a complete wreck. Relatives were
notified to send a car for them Thursday afternoon. The accident was
one of those unavoidable happenings which often occur. No charge
was placed against Mr. Brown who has a reputation of being one of the
best citizens of Ohio. The Brown family were heart-broken over
the sad occurrence. Funeral and burial of the lad took place Tuesday
afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock have the sympathy of a large number
of people in the loss of their son. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-27-1931
LEMASTER, Alice
1931
Miss Alice Lemaster, aged 69 years, died at her home at Barnett’s
Creek, this county, Sunday, August 16, after a three weeks illness with
endocarditis. She was a highly respected old lady of the county and was
the daughter of Francis P. and Mary E. Lemaster, of Barnett’s Creek,
who preceded her in death many years ago. She was a sister of the later
W.L. Lemaster who died at his home at Barnett’s Creek last June
8. She is survived by one brother M.R. Lemaster, who is 78 years old
and one sister (Kitt) Lemaster both 66, both of Barnett’s Creek. She
had a host of other relatives and friends who will regret to hear of
her passing. The deceased was buried in the Lemaster Cemetery at
Barnett’s Creek. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 8-27-1931
SALYER, Jacob
1931
Jacob Salyer, age 76, of Red Bush was found dead in a corn field on his
farm last week. The aged man had gone to the field to do some
work. His continued absence caused his family to make a search
and his dead body was found in the field where he had been
working. He had evidently been dead for several hours. Magistrate
A. J. Daniel was called to hold an inquest and a jury empanelled by
Squire Daniel determined that Mr. Salyer had died from a heart attack
brought about by becoming too hot after a few hours of strenuous work.
Mr. Salyer was one of the good citizens of the Red Bush section where
he had made his home during his more than two score and ten years of
righteous living. His passing is mourned by a large number of
relatives and friends. The body was laid to rest on the home farm near
Red Bush. Paintsville Herald
Thursday August 27, 1931
SPRIGGS, James
1931
"James Spriggs, 86, Died Sunday Morning at 9 O'clock" "Ill For Months"
James Spriggs, 86 years old, died at 9 o'clock Sunday morning at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Fanny Austin, of Boons Camp, this county. He
had been in failing health for several months and had been confined to
his bed for the past few weeks. Mr. Spriggs was one of the oldest
inhabitants of Greasy Creek having been born and raised there. His
father Hiram Spriggs came to Johnson County from North Carolina. For
many years, "Uncle Jim" as he was called by his acquaintances, had
jokingly maintained that, "if I live through March i will get through
the year because I've always noticed that to be true. Always a person
to joke, he often always said he was becoming more active as he grew
older. "When I was younger," he would say, "I might get a stumble and
I'd go twenty feet before falling down and maybe not fall at all. But
now I can stumble and fall down instantly." He was a member of the
Christian Church. Besides his daughter Mr. Spriggs is survived by a son
Henry Spriggs of Van Lear, a brother John T. Spriggs of Martin County
and a sister, Nancy Jane Brown of Kosmos, Washington. Funeral services
were conducted at the residence of his daughter by the Rev Perry
Collins. Burial was in the Dennie Pigg Cemetery. The Paintsville Herald Thursday August
27, 1931
WHEELER, John
1931
"Heart Attack" "Well Known Man and Good Citizen Died Suddenly, Funeral
Sunday" John Wheeler, age 63, of Lindbergh, this county, died suddenly
at his home there at 1:30 of a heart attack. Mr. Wheeler had
seemingly been in good health, weighing over 200 pounds although he had
been a suffered from high blood pressure for some time before his
death, and this is thought to have brought about a heart attack. Mr.
Wheeler had been a lifelong resident of Johnson County and was well
known as a good citizen. He had been postmaster at Lindbergh
since the creation of the office at that place about two years ago and
was a merchant. Mr. Wheeler awakened shortly after midnight and told
his wife he felt ill and asked for a drink of water. Before she
could give him the water he fell back on the bed dead. Mr. Wheeler has
many friends and relatives of the county who will be grieved to learn
of his sudden passing. Besides his widow, he is survived by two
brothers, Tobe Wheeler of Lindbergh and Ed Wheeler of Sitka.
Also, two sisters, Mrs. James P. Butler and Miss Lizzie Wheeler, both
of Lindbergh. Funeral services were conducted at the home Sunday
afternoon by the Rev. Burns Conley of Paintsville, with burial in the
home cemetery on the Wheeler farm. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 27,
1931
SEPTEMBER -
1931
BLEVINS, Elias
1931
Miner Dies From Bad Air; Elias Blevins, a miner of White House, who has
been employed in the mines of the Royal Collierie Company at Offutt,
Ky., went to work one day last week and was attacked by bad air a short
time after entering the mines. He was carried to the outside by fellow
workmen, but never recovered from the effects of the poisoned air. He
died three days later. He is survived by wife and five children. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-10-1931
DUTTON, Mrs William (Castle)
1931
Mrs. WM. Dutton of Boons Camp, Victim of Heart Dropsy Mrs. William
Dutton, 61,years of age a resident of Boons Camp, Ky. for many years
died at her home here 12:20 a.m. last Wednesday morning following an
illness of about two years of heart dropsy. She was a member of the
United Baptist Church, holding membership for 42 years and was known
throughout this section as one of our best women, whose private life
was some worthy of emulation by younger women . Her life has been spent
in the serivce of God and her family and her passing will mourned by a
large number of relatives and friends . Funeral services were held at
the grave on the Mollette cemetery, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in
charge of Rev. Leonard Walters and other Baptist brothers of Meally,
Ky., after which the body was laid to rest there to await the
ressurection morn, by the side of her father, Thomas Castle, who
preceded her in death 4 months ago. Besides her husband she is survived
by the following children; Elias Dutton, Chatteroy, W.Va., Ora Dutton
Boons Camp ,C.A. Dutton Chatteroy , W.Va. George Dutton, Boons Camp ,
William Dutton Jr. , Chatteroy , W.Va.; Langley Dutton, Boons Camp and
one daughter Malissa at home. The neighbors of this community extend
their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family in the loss of their
mother. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 10-1-1931
GIBBS, Grace
1931
"Well Known and Respect- Ed Woman Passes at Lexington" ILL FIVE YEARS
Miss Grace Gibbs, one of Johnson county's best women, passed away at
Lexington September 5, following an illness of five years. Since 1929
her condition had been serious. She was a daughter of the late Abram
Gibbs and one of the county's sweetest young women and her passing will
bring sorrow to many friends and relatives. Miss Gibbs was a good
Christian woman and a member of the old Toms Creek Church and had
attended church there since early childhood. She graduated from the
Paintsville Normal School in her younger days and at the age of 18 she
would have began teaching school had her health permitted. Miss
Gibbs always read good books, es- pecially the Bible. Few people
can be found today who read the Bible as she did. The remains were
brought to Paintsville Sunday, September 6, and placed in the home of
her sister Mrs. Arthur Green and kept there until Monday when the body
was taken to Toms Creek and laid to rest in the family cemetery.
Funeral services were held at the Toms Creek Church, Rev. Winfrey Meek
and Rev. Cap Castle in charge of the services. She is survived by four
brothers and four sisters as follows: Geo. W. Gibbs, of Johnson county;
Sheridan Gibbs, of Magoffin County; John Gibbs, Joplin, Mo.; C. P.
Gibbs, Warsaw, Ind.; Mrs. Martha Davis, Mrs. Ad Preston, Mrs. Arthur
Green and Mrs. Walter Pack, all of Paintsville. Paintsville Herald, Thursday, 9-17-1931
DOBLE, Pearl
1931
Mrs. Johnnie Goble Dies at Local Hospital After Long Illness, Burial at
Auxier Paintsville Herald Wednesday September 17, 1931 Mrs. Johnnie
Goble, age 38, died Monday September 7 at the Paintsville Hospital. She
had been in poor health for some time. Funeral services were held
Wednesday at Auxier, Ky., by Rev. Williamson of West Virgina.
Interment was made in the Wells Cemetery at Auxier. Mrs. Goble was
formerly Miss Pearl Collins and is a member on one of the best families
of the Big Sandy Valley. Her life has been one of service to her
home and community. She possessed the one indispensable prerequisite –
a character that did and dared as well as endeared a character that was
active in the performance of virtue no less than firm in the refusal o
do aught that was vicious or degraded. She has been a Bible student for
a number of years. Besides her husband, Mrs. Goble is survived by 2
sons, 2 daughters, and a mother and host of other relatives and
friends. Paintsville Herald
Thursday September 17, 1931
O'BRYAN, Felty
1931
"Felty O’Bryan Passes after Illness of Nine Days""BURIAL MONDAY" Rev.
Felty O’Bryan, 53 years of age, a resident of Van Lear for many years,
died at his home at that place at 10:00 a.m., last Sunday morning,
following an illness of nine days of pneumonia. Rev. O’Bryan was an
employee of the Consolidation Coal Company where he worked as tipple
foreman during the week days and attended church, ministered to the
sick and preached on Sundays. He had followed this practice for
years and was very valuable to the community as well as the county
generally. He was a minister of the old United Baptist Church holding
membership in the Cedar Grove Church of West Van Lear, and was known
throughout Johnson County as one of our best men and a citizen whose
private life was one worthy of emulation by younger men. His life
has been spent in the service of God, his family and the church of his
choice and his passing will be mourned by a large number of relatives
and friends. Short funeral services were held at the home Monday
morning in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston and Rev. Roscoe LeMaster,
brother ministers of the Baptist faith, after which the body was
transported to the O’Bryan cemetery at the mouth of Pickle Fork on
Barnetts Creek for its last resting place, there to await the
resurrection morn, by the side of his father and mother, who preceded
him in death years ago. Services were held at the grave in the
presence of one of the largest concourses of sorrowing relatives and
friends ever seen at a burial in that section. Besides his widow he is
survived by nine children and numerous friends and relatives thru out
the county. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 9-24-1931
OCTOBER -
1931
BLAIR, Garland
1931
"GARLAND BLAIR KILLED IN AUTO CRASH IN N. Y." "Former Johnson County
Man Popular State Trooper" Garland Blair, better known as "Jerry,"
received injuries in an auto wreck in Rockland County, N. Y. last week
from which he died a few minutes after the mishap without regaining
consciousness. Mr. Blair was a former citizen of Johnson county, having
been born and reared to young manhood in the Hager Hill section. In
speaking of the tragedy the Rockland County (N. Y.) Evening Journal
gives full particulars of the death in the following account: "People
in Rockland County were shocked today when they received word that
Trooper Garland Blair, better known as "Jerry" who had served in the
headquarters outfit here under Sgt. Car A. Shaver for eleven months,
had been killed at 1:15 o'clock this morning on the Saw Mill Road when
the troop car left the highway and rolled down a high bank. "Trooper H.
H. Galvin was driving the car at the time, and the troopers had
been returning to Hawthorne barracks after having answered an
alarm. Little is known about the exact circumstances of the unfortunate
affair, except that Galvin was blinded by approaching headlights. The
car left the road and over turned after going over the (missing text)
Trooper Blair was the (missing text) injured of the two, his skull
having been badly fractured. He died enroute to the hospital. "Mr.
Blair enlisted in the State Police in early 1930, and within a few
weeks after his enlistment he was (missing text) to Rockland County, he
served with Sgt. Shaver at the new city headquarters, he arrived in New
York City in September. (Illegible text) His work as trooper brought
him a great deal of distinction in some of the largest work undertaken
by State Police during his term of service here. "Born in Kentucky,
"Jerry" always was a courteous gentleman. He served a hitch in the Navy
and after being honorably discharged he married a girl in Port Jarvis.
Officials at New City, who knew Blair intimately, were high in their
praise of him as an officer of the law, and expressed deep sorrow at
learning of his death. "Sgt. Shaver and his two men, who were so
closely associated with Jerry, were hard hit when news reached them
that he had been killed." Mr. Blair has many relatives in Johnson
county who will be grieved to learn of his death. He was the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman Blair of West Van Lear, this county. Besides his
father and mother he is survived by his widow, Mrs. Harriett Blair, and
two daughters, ages 5 and 7, three brothers, Tom Blair, a locomotive
engineer on the C. & O., Gordon Blair and Frances Blair, and three
sisters, Miss May Blair, Mrs. Walbridge Hall, all of West Van Lear, and
Mrs. Marcus Adams, of Van Lear. The body was taken to Montague
Township, N. J., the home of his wife's people for burial. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 10-15-1931
HAGER, Daniel Mart
1931
"Rev. D. Mart Hager Member of Prominent Big Sandy Family Pneumonia
Victim Burial at Hager Hill Cemetery" Rev. D. Mart Hager, age 84, one
of the oldest and most prominent citizens of the Big Sandy Valley,
passed into the Great Beyond at 2:00 o’clock last Wednesday morning at
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Martin Music, near East Point, a victim
of pneumonia, thus ending a long and useful life of a good man.
The end came peacefully after a few days of illness. Rev. Hager was
widely known throughout the Big Sandy Valley, not only as a man of God,
but a good business man as well, and a citizen of the finest type. He
was a member of one of the old and influential families of Eastern
Kentucky, a son of the late John and Rhoda Hager, and was born in Scott
County, Va., October 20, 1846. He moved to Johnson County with
his mother in 1864, his father having been killed while fighting wit
the Confederate army during the Civil War. D. Mart Hager also
served for a time as a Confederate scout. For more than fifty years
Rev. Hager owned and resided on a farm at Hager Hill, this county,
where he reared his family. His farm, which is considered one of
the best in the county, is now owned and occupied by John A. Music. For
years Mr. Hager had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Greenwade, at
Cliff. Surviving him are two sisters, Mrs. Julia Jayne, of Flat Gap,
and Mrs. Lou Walker of Paintsville; four daughters and one son, Mrs. W.
F. Patrick, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Scott Smith, Omak, Wash.; Mrs. Wm.
Greenwade, Cliff, Ky.; Mrs. Martin Music, East Point; and John L.
Hager, Omak, Wash. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth May Hager, died 23
years ago. The body was taken to the Greenwade home where it lay in
state until Thursday when it was transferred to the M. E. Church,
South, at Prestonburg, where impressive funeral services were conducted
at 2 P.M., Rev. Helm pastor of the church being in charge of the
services. After the funeral the body was brought to Hager Hill where
interment took place in the old Hager cemetery beside his wife, near
the old Hager farm where he had spent the greater part of his life.
Rev. Hager was a prominent Mason of long standing and the burial was in
charge of the Masonic lodges of Paintsville and Prestonburg. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 15,
1931
LEMASTER, Mrs. W.L.
1931
"Mrs. W. L. Lemaster Died Tuesday Eve" Mrs. W. L. Lemaster an old and
respected lady of Barnetts Creek who had passed the allotted span
of life – two score and ten years – died at her home there Tuesday
evening after a brief illness. Mrs. Lemaster was well known in
that section of the county as a noble Christian character and her
passing is mourned by a large number of relatives and friends.
She was the widow of Uncle Will Lemaster who preceded her in death only
last June. Funeral services and burial took place at Barnetts Creek
Baptist Church Thursday afternoon. She had been a member of the
United Baptist Church for many years. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 22,
1931
NOVEMBER -
1931
CALDWELL, Johnny
1931
Run-Away Cow Kills Boy, Age 12 Johnny Caldwell age 12 years, was almost
instantly killed in an unusual manner early Monday near the home of his
grandfather, Ed Crislip at Stafford Springs Park at
Staffordsville. Young Caldwell who makes his home with his
grandfather, had taken the old family cow to water. The cow was
tied with a long rope which the boy had tied around his waist.
Before reaching the water the cow became frightened and bolted down the
road jerking him from his feet. The cow ran for half a mile over
a boulder-strewn road dragging the helpless lad behind her. The
flight of the cow was finally checked by two men who met her in the
road and cut the rope releasing the lad from his precarious
position. He only breathed twice after being picked up by his
rescuers. The little body was found to be horribly bruised and
mangled. The head had been crushed to a pulp, the neck was broken
and his limbs had almost been pulled from their sockets by the wild
plunges of the run-away cow. After the rope was cut releasing the cow
from her ghastly burden she still ran, crazed with fright until she
reached the Garrett Highway at Franklin's store, nearly a mile away. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 19 1931
HACKWORTH, Mahala (Conley)
1931
Mrs. Mahala Hackworth, wife of Thomas Hackworth of Ivyton, Ky., and
member of a prominent Magoffin county family, died last week at the
Golden Rule Hospital, in this city, after an operation for gallstones.
Mrs. Hackworth was 45 years of age and a daughter of the late Mr. and
Mrs. B.A. Conley of Bonanza. Mr. Conley died at a local hospital
recently from the effects of injuries sustained when he fell from his
barn loft. Mrs. Hackworth was a good Christian woman and noted for her
fine traits of character. She was a member of the old United Baptist
Church. Besides her husband she is survived by three daughters and a
son. Seven sisters and two brothers also survive. Funeral services were
conducted by Rev. Fergis Conley with burial in the family cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Nov. 26 1931
HELTZEL, Mrs. L.C. (Perry)
1931
Large Crowd Pay Last Tribute to Paintsville Woman The funeral of
Mrs. L. C. Heltzel was held in Paintsville last Thursday
afternoon at the Mayo Memorial Church conducted by Rev. Henry Sowards,
formerly pastor of the Mayo Memorial Church of which Mrs. Heltzel was
an honored member, assisted by Rev. W. I. Canter, local pastor.
Rev. Sowards delivered a sermon on the life of this noble woman and it
was fitting to the perfect life she had lived. The church was
full of friends and relatives and the floral offerings attested her
standing in the community. No death in years has caused such
wide-spread sorrow. Mrs. Heltzel was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Geo. C Perry of this city and was one of our most noble Christian
characters, known, loved and respected by all. Flower girls were
former pupils of the deceased while the pallbearers were boys from the
local high school. The schools were dismissed that the pupils and
teachers who loved her might attend the last rites. Burial was made in
the Wells-Buckingham Cemetery near the depot. Mrs. Heltzel died Monday
of last week in Dallas, Texas, after a lingering illness with sleeping
sickness, caused by the flu. She was graduated in 1919 from the
John C. C. Mayo College and later became a teacher in this school as
well as the Paintsville Public School. (The rest of the obit is
unreadable) PAINTSVILLE HERALD
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12 1931
HOWARD, Campbell
1931
"Good Citizen Passes Away" "Campbell Howard Succumbs after Month's
illness" Campbell Howard, age, 59, died at his home in Greentown, at 4
o'clock Tuesday evening, after an illness of one month from Kidney
trouble. Mr. Howard was one of the county's best citizens and his death
will bring grief to a large number of relatives and friends in Johnson
and Magoffin counties. Besides his widow he is survived by seven
children as follows; Mrs. Albert Boyd, Tobey, Ill,; Mrs. Banner Skaggs,
Mrs. O.B. Vice, Henry A. Howard and Mrs. Leck Prater, all of
Paintsville ; George Howard, Atlanta, Ga., and Monterville Howard,
Paintsville . Also five brothers and five sisters; Mrs. Daisy Buckley,
Catlettsburg, Ky.; Mrs. John Elliott, Canute, Okla; Mrs. A.B.Preston,
Wheelersburg, Ohio; Mrs. Will Collins, Oil Springs, Ky.; Mrs. George W.
Preston, Paintsville; Wash, Lonza, Noah Howard, Litterals Fork Ky.;
Farish Howard Canute, Okla,; Flem Howard, Lexington, Ky. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev. Thurman Ferguson of the United Baptist
Church. The remains were laid to rest in the Preston Cemetery in east
Paintsville . Paintsville Herald
Thursday 11-26-1931
MELVIN, Mrs Ick
1931
"Mrs. Ick Melvin Died Saturday" Mrs. Ick Melvin, age 58 years, died
late Saturday afternoon at the Golden Rule Hospital following an
operation for appendicitis. Mrs. Melvin had been troubled with
chronic appendicitis for two years. She was stricken suddenly
last week and when brought to the hospital it was found that the
appendix had ruptured which made it impossible to save her life through
surgical skill. Mr. Melvin resides in the King Addition on the
east side of the river. Mrs. Melvin was a good Christian woman
and highly respected by all who knew her and her untimely death is
mourned by a large number of friends and relatives. Funeral
services were conducted Monday morning by Rev. Guy W. Preston at
Staffordsville and burial in the old Melvin burying ground at that
place. Besides her husband she is survived by three children,
Cora, Add and Estill Melvin. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 11-19-1931
DECEMBER -
1931
RATCLIFF, James H.
1931
James H. Ratcliff Succumbs Monday James H. Ratcliff prominent citizen
and farmer of Lawrence county, died suddenly at 6 o’clock Monday night
at his home on Little Catt near Tuscola. Mr. Ratcliff who was 74 years
old, had just returned from milking and had lifted a heavy can of milk.
At the house he complained to his wife of feeling bad and told her to
rub him. While she was engaged in caring for him he expired without
warning. Mr. Ratcliff was a man of some means and was widely known
throughout the county as an upright citizen. He was born in Pike County
when a young man. He then moved to Tuscola, this county, 27 years ago
where he had made his home since. He was a member of the Christian
church for years. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 12-24-1931
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